Yaki Curry - Japanese Baked Curry
Easy Yaki Curry (Japanese Baked Curry Rice with Egg and Cheese)
Looking for an easy Japanese comfort food recipe that feels a little extra special? Yaki Curry is the perfect answer.
Yaki Curry (焼きカレー) is a Japanese baked curry rice dish made by layering warm rice and Japanese curry, then topping it with an egg and plenty of melted cheese. It's baked until the cheese is bubbling and golden, creating a cozy, satisfying meal that's incredibly easy to make at home.
I first discovered Yaki Curry during our 2022 road trip through Kyushu, Japan. Our final stop was Mojiko, a charming port town in Kitakyushu City, where Yaki Curry is a beloved local specialty.
When I first saw it, I thought it looked a little like a Japanese-style gratin. But after the first bite, I understood why it's so loved. The combination of savory Japanese curry, warm rice, soft egg, and melty cheese is pure comfort food. It was love at first spoonful!
Now, I often make Yaki Curry at home when I have leftover Japanese curry in the refrigerator. It takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, making it an easy way to turn leftover curry into a completely different meal.
What Is Yaki Curry?
Yaki Curry literally means "baked curry" in Japanese. It's especially associated with Mojiko in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, where the dish became a local specialty.
Unlike a traditional Japanese curry served over rice, Yaki Curry is assembled in a baking dish and finished in the oven. The curry is layered over rice, then topped with an egg and cheese before baking until hot and bubbly.
The result is a delicious combination of creamy, cheesy, savory, and comforting flavors in every bite.
Why You'll Love This Japanese Baked Curry
Quick and easy – You can have it on the table in about 20 minutes.
Perfect for leftover curry – It's one of my favorite ways to give leftover Japanese curry a new life.
Kid-friendly – Rice, curry, egg, and melted cheese are a pretty hard combination to resist.
Simple ingredients – You only need a few ingredients.
Cozy and comforting – It's the kind of meal that's perfect for a chilly evening or whenever you need a comforting bowl of food.
Tips
This is one of those recipes where you don't need to follow exact measurements. If you have a little more or less leftover curry, just adjust the amount of rice accordingly.
I also recommend using leftover Japanese curry that has thickened in the refrigerator. The thicker curry works especially well for baking because it sits nicely on top of the rice without making the dish too watery.
And don't be shy with the cheese! The combination of melted cheese and Japanese curry is what makes Yaki Curry so irresistible.
RECIPE
Servings: 1 medium ramekin or small gratin pan
Time: 20 min
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Preheat the oven
425°F (220°C).
Lightly grease a medium ramekin or small gratin dish.
Add the rice
Place the cooked rice in the bottom of the baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Add the curry
Spoon the Japanese curry over the rice and spread it evenly across the surface.
Add the egg and cheese
Make a small well in the center of the curry and crack the egg into it.
Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the curry and around the egg.
Bake.
Place in the oven and bake for about 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the egg is cooked.
Bake a little longer if you prefer a fully set egg.
Serve hot.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired.
Break the soft egg and mix it with the melted cheese and curry, then spoon it over the warm rice.
Enjoy!
FAQ
What is Yaki Curry?
Yaki Curry is a Japanese baked curry rice dish. Japanese curry is layered over cooked rice, topped with an egg and cheese, and baked until hot and bubbling. It is especially popular as a local specialty in Mojiko, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka.
Can I make Yaki Curry with leftover Japanese curry?
Yes! In fact, leftover Japanese curry is perfect for this recipe. This is one of my favorite ways to transform leftover curry into a quick new meal.
What kind of cheese should I use for Yaki Curry?
Mozzarella is my favorite because it melts beautifully and gives you that gooey, stretchy cheese topping. You can also use other good melting cheeses such as Monterey Jack or a Japanese pizza cheese blend.
Can I make Yaki Curry without an egg?
Absolutely. Simply leave out the egg and bake the curry rice with cheese on top. You can also add other toppings such as sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or vegetables.
How do I know when the egg is done?
The egg will continue cooking while the dish is hot after you remove it from the oven. For a soft, runny yolk, start checking around 12 minutes. For a more fully cooked egg, bake a few minutes longer.
You May Also Like
If you love cozy Japanese meals, try these next:
Japanese Curry Rice – A classic Japanese curry that's perfect for making a big batch and enjoying as leftovers.
Nikujaga – A comforting Japanese simmered beef and potato dish.
Gyudon – A quick Japanese beef and rice bowl that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Niku Udon – Japanese udon noodles topped with savory beef.